Posted on 11/17/21
| News Source: WBAL
The Maryland State Board of Education heard from the public Tuesday in an hours-long virtual hearing about the universal face mask mandate -- though a decision will not be made anytime soon.
At issue, is whether to lift the mandate earlier than planned.
The special virtual board meeting was called with one goal in mind: To get public feedback, and there was plenty of it. Parents were among those who signed up to share their concerns with the board.
"I'd like to urge you to keep the mask mandate in place in schools for as long as possible until children and adults have had ample opportunities to be fully vaccinated for COVID," said Raymond Russell, a parent.
"I'm telling you, this mask mandate forced on us was your solution provided we followed at the cost of our children's and adults' mental health and physical health," said Melissa Idleman, a parent.
Besides parents, the board also heard testimony from students, who had differing opinions about the mask mandate.
"On behalf of the Maryland Association of Student Councils' executive board, it is our hope that the state Board of Education makes the right decision for student safety and have continued productive discussion on this very important matter," said Justin Peleska, president of the Maryland Association of Student Councils.
Carroll County was among the last school districts to comply with the mask mandate. Its board president, Marsha Herbert, continues to stand her ground on the issue.